Merced County Food Bank

Nonprofit Community Food Program

The Community Food Program provides food and nonfood items to more than 100 Merced and Mariposa nonprofit organizations that operate hunger-relief programs. These include: food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, low-income daycare centers, senior centers, substance abuse rehabilitation programs, disability programs and faith-based programs.

If you would like to apply to become a member or have questions about the Community Food Program, please contact us.

Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP)

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (also known as USDA Commodities) is a federal program that provides monthly food packages to individuals and families who meet income guidelines set by the federal government (see below).

The Food Bank administers the program and distributes USDA-provided food to nearly 8,000 individuals at more than 24 distribution sites every month throughout Merced and Mariposa Counties.

How to sign up for the program

Call to see if you qualify, and get the address of your nearest distribution site.

To see if you qualify for the program, call us at (209) 726-3663. If you qualify for the program based on the income guidelines outlined above, we will inform you of the location of the nearest food distribution site based on your zip code.
Visit the food distribution site and sign up for the program.

Go to your nearest food distribution site. At the site you will be asked to give your name and address; self-certify that you meet the household income guidelines; and state the number of people living in your household.



The Senior Brown Bag Program

Merced County Food Bank's Senior Brown Bag Program provides supplemental nutritious groceries twice a month to over 2,400 older adults (ages 55+) at 16 distribution sites in Merced and Mariposa Counties.

Sample Senior Brown Bag food items:

Chicken
Eggs
Fresh Produce
Cereal
Rice
Other staple items

Senior Brown Bag Program participants are provided with opportunities to volunteer at their food pickup site, which offers them social connections and a sense of belonging and purpose as they contribute to the Food Bank. Every month, more than 200 volunteers gather at the various Senior Brown Bag sites to sort, bag, and distribute food to their peers. Many participants have built new friendships and a sense of community by volunteering.
For More Information

For more information about the Senior Brown Bag Program, please contact us.


Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
Drought Food Assistance Program (DFAP)